simon_eagle
Reserve Grader
To me, the biggest change (post-Des) is in the way in which the coach and players interact with the media.
Des was the master of talking down his teams credentials - or perhaps talking up the opponents credentials, often preferring his side to "fly under the radar". He is doing the same thing this season with his new club - and it's working a treat. He wanted them to remain "competitive" in the summer, when perhaps he saw more in the club then what he gave away.
While I appreciate that Tooves has tried to adopt the same plan whilst talking to the media - to me, I don't think it's working.
The players, meanwhile, appear to be given much more freedom to express their personal opinions. Last season, a player simply would not have been able to say, "you know, we are on course to win the premiership." Even if certain players actually believed that was a possibility.
Only last week DCE told the media that we are a good shot at back-to-back. Would that statement have been made in 2011? I'm not saying that Des's approach and the advice he gave his players when talking to the media was preferable, just making an observation.
I have faith in this team and it's coach. I have less faith in the owners and the board.
Des was the master of talking down his teams credentials - or perhaps talking up the opponents credentials, often preferring his side to "fly under the radar". He is doing the same thing this season with his new club - and it's working a treat. He wanted them to remain "competitive" in the summer, when perhaps he saw more in the club then what he gave away.
While I appreciate that Tooves has tried to adopt the same plan whilst talking to the media - to me, I don't think it's working.
The players, meanwhile, appear to be given much more freedom to express their personal opinions. Last season, a player simply would not have been able to say, "you know, we are on course to win the premiership." Even if certain players actually believed that was a possibility.
Only last week DCE told the media that we are a good shot at back-to-back. Would that statement have been made in 2011? I'm not saying that Des's approach and the advice he gave his players when talking to the media was preferable, just making an observation.
I have faith in this team and it's coach. I have less faith in the owners and the board.